The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar, has urged religious leaders to be cautious with their utterances and avoid using churches and mosques as campaign platforms for politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections. He made this appeal at the second quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja. The Sultan emphasized that choosing a leader is a matter for God, and that prayers will only lead to the selection of the chosen candidate.
The Sultan also condemned the practice of sponsoring pilgrims to Mecca and Jerusalem with stolen money, stating that God will not bless such actions. He stressed that corruption is unacceptable and that those involved should face the law, regardless of their position or status. The Sultan called on religious leaders to join forces with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to combat corruption.
The NIREC meeting, themed "Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria," brought together Christian and Muslim leaders to discuss issues affecting the country. The Sultan praised the gathering, saying it is a unique opportunity for Christians and Muslims to come together and discuss matters of mutual interest. He emphasized the importance of understanding and cooperation between the two faiths.
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and NIREC co-chair, Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh, also spoke at the meeting. He noted that churches, mosques, and religious institutions have significant moral and social influence, which can be used to promote reconciliation and encourage followers to pursue the common good.
Archbishop Okoh appreciated the leadership of NIREC for choosing a theme that promotes interfaith conversation and cooperation. He emphasized that shared flourishing does not require Christians and Muslims to abandon their distinctive beliefs but rather to work together to promote the common good. He highlighted the importance of love, compassion, mercy, justice, forgiveness, and service to others.
The Sultan and Archbishop Okoh both stressed the need for religious leaders to work together to promote peace and stability in Nigeria. They emphasized that the country's wellbeing is connected to the wellbeing of its neighbors and that collective efforts are needed to address the challenges facing the nation.
The NIREC meeting demonstrated the commitment of Christian and Muslim leaders to work together to address the country's challenges. The Sultan and Archbishop Okoh called on religious leaders to continue to promote dialogue, understanding, and cooperation to build a better Nigeria for all.
Key points
- The Sultan of Sokoto urges religious leaders to avoid using churches and mosques as campaign platforms for politicians.
- The Sultan condemns the practice of sponsoring pilgrims with stolen money, emphasizing that corruption is unacceptable.
- The NIREC meeting promotes interfaith conversation and cooperation to address the country's challenges.
